By Guest Blogger: JASMINE RAFATI — Iran (read bio)

I arrived in the United States with my whole family including a twin sister, two brothers, and parents. My parents were travelling back and forth between Iran and the United States for a long time.

We were separated for about 10 years. We are a very close family and this was a very difficult experience for each and every one of us. Three years ago we were finally reunited when my youngest brother joined us in the United States. I appreciate my family more than ever.

Not long ago my mom and I we were discussing how this experience of migrating to another country changed us forever.  We became very aware of the hardship of moving to a new country. I feel that my parents made huge sacrifices for their children to be in a great country, reaching for higher education and living a free life.

With all the talks and debates on the subject of stringent immigration law in Arizona, I have been thinking about this topic more and more.  Why do people immigrate to the United States or other countries? I want to discuss this issue (more…)

By Guest Blogger: JASMINE RAFATI – Iran

I am a Persian Muslim leaving in the United States.  I love my religion, which is one of peace, forgiveness, and love; but what I know as Islam hugely differs from the Islam that has been introduced by the fanatics and by the government of my country, Iran.

The government and the fanatics use the words of Islam to their benefit and to promote war, hatred and killing.

Although I have not had many bad experiences as a Muslim in America, I did encounter some not so pleasant situations after 9/11. (more…)